BFI IMAX

Theater Large IMAX cinema within London's Southbank Centre

BFI IMAX at Waterloo houses the UK’s largest cinema screen, screening documentary and blockbuster films in IMAX format within the British Film Institute complex near the South Bank.

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BFI IMAX is a large-format cinema located at the BFI Southbank complex on London’s South Bank, showing IMAX and large-format films with immersive sound and projection. The auditorium is designed for large-screen film presentation and is used for documentary features, 3D screenings and special events.

The cinema is sited alongside other cultural institutions on the South Bank, close to the River Thames and major pedestrian routes and public-transport connections. It functions as a dedicated venue for large-format cinematic experiences rather than a multi-screen commercial multiplex.

  • Access: Located within the BFI Southbank complex on the South Bank, with Waterloo and Southwark stations within easy walking distance for public transport.
BFI IMAX
BFI IMAX, Belvedere Rd, Southbank, London SE1 8XT, United Kingdom
51.5049, -0.1137
BFI Southbank box office hours vary; cinema generally operates daily with screenings from morning to late evening. See website for film-specific times.
Typical adult tickets £10-£20 (varies by film and seat type); concessions and children reduced. IMAX premium may apply.

How to Get to BFI IMAX #

BFI Southbank sits on Belvedere Road beside Waterloo Bridge. From Waterloo Station (a 7-10 minute walk), head northwest across the station forecourt toward the South Bank. The nearest Underground stations are Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City) and Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, Circle, District). Several bus routes stop along the South Bank.

Tips for Visiting BFI IMAX #

  • Book tickets in advance for blockbuster screenings and weekend evenings; the IMAX often sells out.
  • Choose seats in the central upper rows for the best IMAX field of view; front-row seats can be overwhelming.
  • Arrive at BFI Southbank at least 20 minutes before showtime - the queue for the IMAX can form even when the box office is quiet.

Best Time to Visit BFI IMAX #

Any time - check film listings and book ahead for popular releases.

All year
Jan-Dec · Indoor
Indoors year-round; plan around film release schedules and holidays to avoid crowds.

Weather & Climate near BFI IMAX #

Climate

BFI IMAX's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (644 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.7h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
15.4h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
16.3h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
15.9h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
14.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.5h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.7h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.7h daylight

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